editorNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Associated PressMon, 24 Oct 2016 07:02:56 +0000Associated Presshttp://weku.fm
Kentucky is among five states that are again suing the Obama administration over its efforts to strengthen discrimination protections for transgender people. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in a North Texas federal court. It seeks to block parts of a nondiscrimination mandate of President Barack Obama's health care law. Opponents of the president’s order say the rules could force doctors to act against their medical judgments or religious convictions. Transgender rights advocates say the rules simply require doctors to make decisions without bias. The lawsuit was filed a day after a federal judge in Texas blocked a directive that would have required U.S. public schools to let transgender students use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity. Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kansas have also joined the latest lawsuit that was initiated by Texas. Kentucky Joins Texas, Other States in Suit Against Obama Transgender Orderhttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-joins-texas-other-states-suit-against-obama-transgender-order
94502 as http://weku.fmWed, 24 Aug 2016 04:33:49 +0000Kentucky Joins Texas, Other States in Suit Against Obama Transgender OrderFor Kentucky workers who have health insurance through their employers, the number enrolled in high-deductible plans has risen sharply over the last eight years. That's according to a new report by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky reported in the Daily News. Foundation President and CEO Susan Zepeda says in a news release that people on high-deductible plans tend to use fewer preventative services that cost money up front but save money and lives in the long run. According to the report, more than 2.4 million Kentuckians have health insurance through their jobs. In 2014, 39 percent of them were enrolled in high-deductible plans compared to 7 percent in 2006. The IRS defined a high deductible in 2014 as $1,250 for an individual and $2,500 for a family. High-deductible Health Plans See Big Rise in Ky.http://weku.fm/post/high-deductible-health-plans-see-big-rise-ky
92421 as http://weku.fmMon, 11 Jul 2016 10:00:00 +0000High-deductible Health Plans See Big Rise in Ky.FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Volkswagen has agreed to pay the state of Kentucky nearly $3.5 million in civil penalties in a settlement that could result in up to $100 million for the state and its residents. Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear on Tuesday announced the state's part in the automaker's agreement to pay up to $15.3 billion to settle lawsuits and allegations that it cheated on emissions tests. Beshear's office said nearly 3,200 owners of the high-performance diesel vehicles will receive payments of at least $5,100 as well as either having their vehicles bought back by the company or modified to reduce emissions. Beshear's office said the buyback could be worth up to $80 million. The attorney general's office said in a news release the state is eligible for more than $19 million in environmental damages from a trust funded by VW. Ky, Auto Owners Could Receive $100M from VWhttp://weku.fm/post/ky-auto-owners-could-receive-100m-vw
91917 as http://weku.fmWed, 29 Jun 2016 02:19:07 +0000Ky, Auto Owners Could Receive $100M from VW FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky clerk who spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples has asked a federal appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit against her because of a new state law that will take effect next month. Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling effectively legalized gay marriage last year. Two gay couples and two straight couples sued her. A federal judge ordered her to issue the licenses, but she refused and went to jail. The state legislature approved a new law in April removing the county clerks' names and authorizations from state marriage licenses. Davis said the law accommodates her religious beliefs and makes the lawsuit against her unnecessary. A hearing was set for next month. Clerk Kim Davis Asks Court to Dismiss Gay Marriage Suithttp://weku.fm/post/clerk-kim-davis-asks-court-dismiss-gay-marriage-suit
91613 as http://weku.fmTue, 21 Jun 2016 21:22:24 +0000Clerk Kim Davis Asks Court to Dismiss Gay Marriage SuitRICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — An official says it is expected to cost about $20 million to make repairs at a central Kentucky chemical weapons destruction plant. Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass, the general contractor for the plant in Madison County, said it is seeking compensation from General Atomics of San Diego for the cost to replace piping with deficient welds since the welds were done by a subcontractor for that company. Bechtel Parson's project manager, Ron Hink, told The Richmond Register that the dispute resolution could involve multiple steps. The massive complex was built to dismantle and destroy chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond. The facility is expected to start operations in 2020. Officials say other issues have pushed back the start date by about six months. Replacing the piping is not expected to cause an additional delay. Contractor Seeking $20 Million for Bluegrass Army Depot Site Repairshttp://weku.fm/post/contractor-seeking-20-million-bluegrass-army-depot-site-repairs
91149 as http://weku.fmThu, 09 Jun 2016 23:36:51 +0000Contractor Seeking $20 Million for Bluegrass Army Depot Site RepairsServices have been scheduled for Friday in Louisville for boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who died on Friday. Former President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal and broadcaster Bryant Gumbel are scheduled to deliver eulogies. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer has ordered flags lowered to half-staff to honor Ali. The three-time heavyweight champion had been hospitalized in the Phoenix area since last Monday with respiratory problems and his children had flown in from around the country.A family spokesman says Ali died of septic shock "due to unspecified natural causes." Ali dominated not just boxing but much of contemporary culture back in the 60's as an Olympic champion, a professional heavyweight champ and a leader of the civil rights movement. President Barack Obama says Muhammad Ali "shook up the world, and the world is better for it." Services for Muhammad Ali to be Held in Louisvillehttp://weku.fm/post/services-muhammad-ali-be-held-louisville
90973 as http://weku.fmSun, 05 Jun 2016 23:58:28 +0000Services for Muhammad Ali to be Held in LouisvilleUPDATE: (courtesy Lexington Herald-Leader/Kentucky.com) Deputy Kevin Crutcher was taken to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, he was released last night. (Wednesday.) A spokesman for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office told the newspaper Crutcher is a nine-year veteran. Crutcher was shot while attempting a traffic stop on Arthur Jackson Lane Northeast of Berea. 51-year-old Daniel Pigg reportedly ignored verbal commands and fired shots at the officer. After being struck, Crutcher returned fire. Pigg was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were in the Ford F-150 Pigg had been driving, and they were detained for questioning. BEREA, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police say a Madison County sheriff's deputy has been shot and an alleged gunman is dead following an exchange of gunfire near Berea. Trooper Robert Purdy says the deputy has been taken to University ofMadison County Deputy Wounded, Alleged Gunman Killed http://weku.fm/post/madison-county-deputy-wounded-alleged-gunman-killed
90842 as http://weku.fmWed, 01 Jun 2016 20:23:27 +0000Madison County Deputy Wounded, Alleged Gunman Killed Associated PressLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The winner of the 142nd Kentucky Derby was the favorite Nyquist. Racing against 19 other horses Nyquist finished in front of Exaggerator. At 8-0 Nyquist is the eighth unbeaten horse to win the Derby. Nyquist was ridden by Mario Gutierrez and trained by Doug O'Neill. The race was run in good conditions after a heavy rainfall about an hour before the race. It was seen by the second largest crowd ever at Churchill Downs, around 167,000. Video courtesy of Lexington Herald-Leader/Kentucky.com Nyquist Wins 142nd Kentucky Derby http://weku.fm/post/nyquist-wins-142nd-kentucky-derby
89941 as http://weku.fmSun, 08 May 2016 01:01:00 +0000Nyquist Wins 142nd Kentucky Derby Associated PressThe White House says President Barack Obama has telephoned the parents of a Lexington native and her husband who died in last week's terror attacks in Brussels. The White House says Obama offered his condolences Sunday and praised Stephanie Shults and her husband Justin as epitomizing all that was good about America. Pres. Obama Offers Condolences to Family of Ky. Woman Killed in Brusselshttp://weku.fm/post/pres-obama-offers-condolences-family-ky-woman-killed-brussels
88284 as http://weku.fmMon, 28 Mar 2016 02:47:51 +0000Pres. Obama Offers Condolences to Family of Ky. Woman Killed in BrusselsAssociated PressKentuckyOne Health, which operates the University of Louisville Hospital, has backed out of an agreement to provide Planned Parenthood patients emergency care in case complications arise during an abortion. Planned Parenthood attorney Thomas Clay says the organization was told Tuesday by hospital officials they were under incredible pressure from the state to terminate the agreement, and that the hospital's state funding was threatened if they didn't cancel the agreement. The state requires clinics that provide abortions to keep a transfer agreement with a local hospital in case of unexpected complications. University Hospital to Sever Ties with Planned Parenthood http://weku.fm/post/university-hospital-sever-ties-planned-parenthood
87280 as http://weku.fmThu, 03 Mar 2016 21:36:14 +0000University Hospital to Sever Ties with Planned Parenthood Associated PressRepublican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration has scaled back the Kentucky Horse Park's purchasing authority amid allegations of improper purchasing practices. The directive from the state Finance Cabinet's secretary comes as a top Senate Republican pushes legislation to revamp the horse park's governing body. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer says the Finance Cabinet's findings show his motives are justified in seeking to overhaul the park's commission. Kentucky Horse Park's Purchasing Authority Scaled Backhttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-horse-parks-purchasing-authority-scaled-back
86987 as http://weku.fmThu, 25 Feb 2016 23:03:35 +0000Kentucky Horse Park's Purchasing Authority Scaled BackAssociated PressState officials are recommending more restrictions on fish consumption. The Courier-Journal reports the recommendations come after state officials found mercury in more fish from more waterways across the state. Officials now say everyone should limit how much locally caught fish they eat, not just pregnant woman and children under six. Kentucky Recommends More Restrictions on Fish Consumption http://weku.fm/post/kentucky-recommends-more-restrictions-fish-consumption
86872 as http://weku.fmTue, 23 Feb 2016 16:11:45 +0000Kentucky Recommends More Restrictions on Fish Consumption Associated PressKentucky Gov. Matt Bevin's administration is asking a judge to penalize a Louisville Planned Parenthood facility for performing abortions without a valid license. Bevin, a staunchly anti-abortion Republican, ordered abortions halted at the downtown facility after learning last month that it was performing the procedures. Planned Parenthood says it got approval from former Gov. Steve Beshear's administration, which left office in December. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services sued Thursday in Jefferson County Circuit Court, seeking up to nearly $700,000 in fines. Kentucky Agency Suing Planned Parenthood Over Abortionshttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-agency-suing-planned-parenthood-over-abortions
86681 as http://weku.fmThu, 18 Feb 2016 20:54:53 +0000Kentucky Agency Suing Planned Parenthood Over AbortionsAssociated PressA top regulator from Gov. Matt Bevin's administration has resigned as a director of Kentucky's major Republican super PAC after a newspaper inquired about potential conflicts in holding both roles. The Courier-Journal reports that K. Gail Russell resigned Wednesday as director of the super PAC Kentuckians for Strong Leadership. Russell is the deputy secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, overseeing banking, insurance, horse racing and other business. Regulator for Gov. Bevin's Office Resigns from Super PAChttp://weku.fm/post/regulator-gov-bevins-office-resigns-super-pac
86669 as http://weku.fmThu, 18 Feb 2016 18:46:02 +0000Regulator for Gov. Bevin's Office Resigns from Super PACAssociated PressThe Kentucky Department of Revenue has slowed down issuing state tax refunds because of concerns of identity theft and other forms of fraud. Department of Revenue Commissioner Dan Bork says the agency is implementing new security features that will cause a delay in some refunds. Kentucky Officials Slow Down State Tax Refund Returnshttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-officials-slow-down-state-tax-refund-returns
86619 as http://weku.fmWed, 17 Feb 2016 16:42:41 +0000Kentucky Officials Slow Down State Tax Refund ReturnsAssociated PressThe Kentucky Division of Forestry says the spring forest fire hazard season has begun. A statement says burning laws will be enforced through April 30. During that time period, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of woodland or brush land between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Officials said the law bans burning during times when conditions are most likely to cause a blaze to spread. Spring Forest Fire Hazard Season Begins in Kentucky http://weku.fm/post/spring-forest-fire-hazard-season-begins-kentucky
86574 as http://weku.fmTue, 16 Feb 2016 16:54:21 +0000Spring Forest Fire Hazard Season Begins in Kentucky Associated PressAs part of his proposed budget cuts, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin exempted what he considered to be key government services. Not protected: The government agencies charged with holding him and his administration accountable. Bevin’s Proposed Cuts Include Government Watchdog Agencyhttp://weku.fm/post/bevin-s-proposed-cuts-include-government-watchdog-agency
86447 as http://weku.fmFri, 12 Feb 2016 20:01:40 +0000Bevin’s Proposed Cuts Include Government Watchdog AgencyAssociated PressFormer Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear says he is starting an advocacy group to oppose Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's plans to dismantle Kynect and scale back the state's Medicaid expansion. Beshear is scheduled to announce "Save Kentucky Healthcare" during two events Thursday. In a news release, Beshear said he is troubled by Bevin's plans to roll back what he called Kentucky's nation-leading progress in improving the health of its people. Beshear Organizing to Oppose Bevin's Healthcare Policieshttp://weku.fm/post/beshear-organizing-oppose-bevins-healthcare-policies
86397 as http://weku.fmThu, 11 Feb 2016 18:38:38 +0000Beshear Organizing to Oppose Bevin's Healthcare PoliciesAssociated PressIt was quick, albeit unorthodox, when Kentucky's governor signed into law an abortion bill as soon as a delegation of lawmakers presented it to him. The first bill signed by Gov. Matt Bevin since taking office updates the state's informed consent law requiring women seeking abortions be told of medical risks and benefits at least 24 hours beforehand. The bill gives patients and doctors the option of meetings in person or by video. Bevin Signs Abortion Bill as Soon as it Arriveshttp://weku.fm/post/bevin-signs-abortion-bill-soon-it-arrives
86030 as http://weku.fmTue, 02 Feb 2016 22:33:20 +0000Bevin Signs Abortion Bill as Soon as it ArrivesAssociated PressState House Democrats say they likely will not approve $650 million worth of state spending cuts as outlined in Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's budget proposal. The resistance sets up a budget battle one month ahead of four special elections that could shift the balance of power in the legislature. Ky. House Democrats Opposed to Governor's Spending Cuts http://weku.fm/post/ky-house-democrats-opposed-governors-spending-cuts
86022 as http://weku.fmTue, 02 Feb 2016 21:22:39 +0000Ky. House Democrats Opposed to Governor's Spending Cuts